White to take over CBI NW chair

ALAN White, chief executive of home shopping giant N Brown Group, will be the new the chairman of the CBI North West from next January.

The Manchester-based retail boss has become vice chairman with immediate effect and will succeed Clive Elphick.

Commenting on Alan’s appointment, United Utilities executive Clive Elphick said: “Alan is one of the most high profile figures in the region’s business community and we are delighted that he has agreed to take on this role.

“N Brown Group is one of the jewels in the North West crown and Alan has demonstrated that he is capable of turning great vision into true growth and I am sure he will bring all of his skill and ability to this role.” 

Alan rejoined N Brown Group as chief executive in 2002. He had previously been with the company from 1985 and was finance director until 1999, when he left to become finance director of Littlewoods.

Commenting on his new role Alan said: “The CBI North West is the foremost business lobby and representative organisation in the region. I feel extremely privileged to be asked to take up this role and I know from my association with the CBI that it really is the voice of British Business. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the North West CBI team and members to ensure that the voice of business is heard and understood. Helping to create the conditions for business to recover from the recession will be top of the agenda.”

Manchester United supporter Alan will serve a period of two years as regional chairman supported by Clive Elphick as vice chairman for 1 year from January 2010.

Damian Waters, regional director of the CBI North West commented “I am delighted that Alan has agreed to take up this high profile role and look forward to working closely with him in the coming months and years.

“I am also delighted that Clive will be staying as Vice Chairman for a year; he’s done a great job as Chairman and I am sure Alan will benefit from his support.”